As a part of National Influenza Immunization Week from December 4-10, we remind everyone that it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. Getting a flu shot now could keep you healthy for the holidays and free from the virus for the whole flu season.

The weather is getting colder and the holiday season will soon be upon us. The onset of the winter months also means something else: flu season. This season should be taken seriously, for good reason.

According to the CDC, the influenza virus causes millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths annually. While these statistics are sobering, many consumers still have questions about the effectiveness, cost and side effects of a flu shot. Some may ask, “Is a flu shot even worth it?”

Are you ready for this flu season?

The physical impacts of getting the flu are familiar: fever, sore throat, body aches, upper respiratory symptoms and cough. However, the individual monetary costs of coming down with the flu are not common knowledge. Did you know the average, insured individual can expect to pay more than $130 if they get the flu? This includes a doctor’s visit, prescribed medication, and over the counter medicines. For those without health insurance, prescription medication alone can cost more than $100. It’s not just personal finances that are impacted; the cost to businesses is also expensive.

Each employee that misses work due to the flu can cost companies more than $135 per person, per day. Individuals lose wages from sick days as well. In all, economists have calculated influenza’s economic impact to be more than $16 billion annually. That’s more than the gross domestic product of Iceland, or Fiji and Monaco combined.

It is more cost-effective to get the flu shot than to spend money on recovering from the virus. Immunization not only prevents influenza, but it also helps decrease the rates of respiratory infection, the amount of work days lost to illness, and doctor visits.

Many employers offer flu shots for free or at a reduced price for their employees. Many of these employers take advantage of on-site flu clinic programs like those that Passport Health offers in order to increase vaccination rates in their offices. By receiving a flu shot, you save money, stay healthier and can continue working throughout influenza season. Getting the flu vaccine is a sound investment, not just financially but also for your well-being.

There are a variety of myths and misconceptions about flu vaccines. Often, not knowing the answers to these questions makes it easier for people to decide to forgo vaccination. However, education is often a key first step toward making a healthy decision.

Will the flu shot give me the flu?

The flu shot will not give you the flu. Vaccines are made in such a way as to not contain live flu viruses. Vaccines have either ‘inactive’ viruses or no viruses at all. Some people may have side effects such as a sore arm or headache, but you cannot get the flu from a vaccine. As with any drug or medical treatment, side effects may occur depending on the individual, but this is not the flu.

Is it better to get the flu than the flu vaccine?

No. It is not better to get the flu, or any illness, than it is to get the vaccine. Influenza can be very serious, especially if you are part of an at-risk population, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with existing chronic conditions. Also, any flu infection, regardless of how healthy you are, has the risk of complications. Getting vaccinated is the best – and safest – choice.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A flu vaccine is strongly recommended each year because the most common strains of the virus frequently change. Furthermore, a person’s immunity against certain strains of the virus can decrease as time passes. This makes getting an annual flu shot the best defense against influenza.

Does the flu vaccine really work?

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from year to year, depending on whether the flu viruses the vaccine protects against are the same ones circulating in the community. The characteristics of the person being vaccinated also play a role in how well the shot will work. Regardless, there are many benefits to receiving a flu shot each year.

Need a Flu Shot?

Is it too late to get a flu shot?

It is almost never too late get your flu vaccine. If flu viruses are still circulating, vaccination continues to be valuable. Flu seasons often vary in severity and length, with peaks in January or February in most years. In some seasons, the disease can occur as late as May. The flu is unpredictable, and it is always better to safeguard your health.

The benefits of receiving a flu vaccine far outweigh any perceived harm. Not only is the flu vaccine cheaper than becoming sick, but many of the statements used to justify not getting vaccinated are actually myths. Make sure that you are well guarded against the flu this season by visiting your local Passport Health and speaking with a medical specialist.

Influenza is a contagious disease, and the CDC recommends that anyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. There are a variety of influenza vaccines that serve different purposes and can help a wide range of people; learn more about them on our influenza page.

Have you heard some of these flu myths? Let us help you answer those questions by commenting below, on our Facebook page or asking us on Twitter.

]]>https://www.passporthealthusa.com/2016/12/is-getting-a-flu-shot-worth-it/feed/0What is Pneumonia and How Can You Avoid It?https://www.passporthealthusa.com/2016/12/what-is-pneumonia-and-how-can-you-avoid-the-virus/
https://www.passporthealthusa.com/2016/12/what-is-pneumonia-and-how-can-you-avoid-the-virus/#respondFri, 02 Dec 2016 16:13:49 +0000http://www.passporthealthusa.com/?p=38048

Pneumonia isn’t just the cold.

You aren’t more likely to catch the virus if you go outside during the winter without a coat.

People 65 years or older aren’t the only ones who can catch pneumonia.

The myths about pneumonia have been debunked, but one fact is important. Pneumonia sends about one million Americans to the hospital and 50,000 deaths every year. Here’s what you do need to know about the deadly virus:

What is pneumonia?

A bacteria gets into the lungs, causing the air sacs to fill with pus and get inflamed. The body then struggles to absorb and exchange oxygen.

It seems simple, but there are many different ways and places to catch pneumonia.

Walking pneumonia is a milder case and may not even need hospitalization. The symptoms allow for a person to stay active and continue throughout their day.

Labar pneumonia is limited just one of the lungs. But, it can still cause debilitating symptoms.

Double pneumonia sounds worse because it is worse. The infections spreads to both lungs and is life threatening if untreated.

Although there many different kinds of pneumonia, the symptoms stay fairly consistent:

Sweating or clammy skin

Chills

Cough that produces green, yellow or bloody mucus

Shortness of breath

Chest pains that are worse during a deep breath

Lack of energy and appetite

Mild to high-grade fever

What causes pneumonia?

The different kinds of pneumonia often depend on which bacteria infects a person:

Streptococcus pneumoniae – The most common culprit for pneumonia. This bacteria is highly contagious. It enters the body through the nose or an open wound. People 65 years or older or two years and younger are at most risk for Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Mycoplasma pneumonia – This is most often the cause of walking or atypical pneumonia. MP is commonly spread in crowded areas like schools and nursing homes. Spread through the transfer of fluids, the moisture from a sneeze or cough is often spreads the infection.

Haemophilus influenzae – Responsible for more than pneumonia, this bacteria causes bacteremia and meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae lives in the nose and throat but can even stay dormant in the body for years. Unimmunized children younger than four are most at risk for this virus.

Klebsiella pneumoniae – K. pneumoniae lives in the intestines. It is usually only dangerous when spreading to another organ. This bacteria is not airborne and is only contagious through personal contact, sometimes via contaminated medical equipment. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to catch K. pneumoniae.

Staphylococcus aureus – Otherwise known as MRSA. It is often contracted as a bacterial infection in a hospital. MRSA is resistant to methicillin and many of the antibiotics that fight pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is considered more severe and lethal.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa – This is the most common HAP. Like all other strains of pneumonia from the hospital, this virus is dangerous for its resistance to many different antibiotics.

How is pneumonia treated?

Patients that are not hospitalized for pneumonia will often receive oral antibiotics. Because Community-Acquired pneumonia (CAP) is often less severe, milder antibiotics are used to combat the virus. Amoxicillin and other penicillin-based drugs are most common.

When hospitalized, treatment for pneumonia depends on which bacteria caused the infection.

To treat CAP, doctors will initially administer an IV with a common antibiotic like cefotaxime. An oral antibiotic is then prescribed after the symptoms become less severe.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia is more difficult to treat.

Because an HAP is resistant to many antibiotics that get rid of the virus, a doctor has to find the right medicine. A doctor has to use a somewhat wait-and-see approach to find an antibiotic that works.

It may seem counterintuitive for a lung disease, but cough medicine is often not used to treat pneumonia. Coughing is one of the best ways to get rid of infected mucus that lies in your lungs.

How to prevent pneumonia?

The PCV13 vaccine is recommended for infants, adults over 65 and adults over 19-years-old with weakened immune systems. The vaccine PPSV23 should be used for children older than 2, adults older than 65 and adults who smoke or have asthma.

These provide protection against not just pneumonia, but also meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Vaccination is key to staying safe from pneumonia. But, there are many other precautions to avoid the virus.

Stay away from those with the cold, flu or any other kind of infection. If you are heading to the hospital, wash your hands frequently.

Tobacco prevents your lungs from fighting infection. This leaves smokers some of the most likely to catch pneumonia. Cut down on smoking or quit altogether to greatly reduce your risk of pneumonia.

The year isn’t over yet, but worldwide explorers already decided for the rest of us.

There were some places to avoid and some that were must-sees in 2016.

Those popular destinations offered a variety of reasons to visit.

Unbeatable beaches surrounding tight-knit communities. Bustling metropolitan areas filled with businesspeople and locals alike. Maybe even some ancient ruins that can only be reached from a world-renowned hiking trail.

Whether it was for a business trip or some rest and relaxation, here were the five best travel destinations of 2016:

India

Although a beautiful and welcoming country, the best way to describe India is with one word: busy.

This is not a condemnation for the country, as locals embrace this part of the culture.

The second-most populated country in the world is chaotic with little personal space and many traffic jams. Much of this is due to the business done in the Asian country, as India is the world’s fastest growing economy.

The Asian country is the world’s fastest growing economy, bringing in a plethora of new and booming businesses. But, for even for those in the country for business, India offers much more than work experience.

Deserts and jungles are surrounded by ancient temples and India’s lively metropolitan areas. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi are home to historic museums, festivals and theaters amidst the towering buildings.

Many of the problematic diseases thriving throughout Asia are prevalent in India’s bustling metropolis.

Updated vaccines are necessary to avoid polio and both forms of hepatitis. You should receive a vaccine and be prepare to fight off mosquitoes to avoid Japanese encephalitis.

South Africa

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Cape Town gets most of the attention for those heading to South Africa.

Most foreign visitors will spend some time in Johannesburg during their trip. Jo’burg is the country’s home for finances and, somewhat surprisingly, entertainment value. The city is even embracing this, with tourism growing throughout the area.

Johannesburg may be the most active, but visitors stay to see South Africa’s coast.

Durban, Port Elizabeth and of course Cape Town house tourists searching for a yearlong beach vacation access.

The coastline is the easiest place to experience everything that makes South Africa unique. Diverse cultures, beautiful scenery and distinct wildlife highlight these cities. Where else can you see a baboon and a penguin in their natural habitats just miles apart?

South Africa is lively with various animals, but you should also take precautions to stay safe and healthy. A rabies vaccine is the safest way to avoid falling ill while visiting the creatures.

Thailand

The smallest of the most popular destinations, Thailand makes up for its size by being a tropical and spiritual paradise.

Areas like Phuket and Bangkok surround extraordinary beaches with big-city atmospheres. Foreign visitors arrive in droves to double down on a beach vacation and parties and culture only found a thriving metropolis.

When you head north in Thailand, the lifestyles change along with the terrain.

Mountains and jungles are decorated with rural villages and locals that tend to rice paddies and other farms. Ancient Buddhist temples are found throughout the mountains, near dazzling cliffs and waterfalls.

Mosquitoes carry many of the dangerous viruses that are prevalent throughout Thailand. The CDC recommends insect repellent and mosquito nets to further avoid malaria, Japanese encephalitis and Zika virus. A vaccination against Japanese encephalitis may also be recommended.

Peru

Peru is one of only two countries on this list to house one of the world’s current seven wonders.

Machu Picchu sits atop a mountain ridge that has limited daily access. Only 2,500 people get to visit the ancient Incan ruins, with 500 allowed to walk the world-famous Inca trail to get there.

Many come to Peru for this wonder, but are enveloped with everything else offered by the South American country.

More than half of Peru is covered with the Amazon rainforest, housing more of the natural marvel than every country other than Brazil. The Andes mountains run through the middle of the country, creating a playground for explorers.

Culture is rich throughout the country, but you’ll meet a vastly different group of people depending on the area. Festivals, parties and tours of the region are the best ways to appreciate Peru’s variety of locals.

The terrain is diverse, but that also means there are many ways to fall ill during a trip to Peru.

Yellow fever, typhoid and both strains of hepatitis pose serious risks in the country.

Kenya

Widely considered the world’s best safari destination, Kenya is the epitome of the African landscape.

The country is covered with wildlife preserves and national parks for thousands of miles.

These parks are like nothing you’d find in America. Lions, elephants and wildebeests make up these preserves with laws that protect the animals from hunters.

The Mara is an untamed savanna that is home to over 600 species and millions of animals every year. The those looking for an environment close to that seen in The Lion King, the Mara is the best location in the world.

With so many different species throughout Kenya, it’s no surprise that contagious diseases can be a problem.

Typhoid, rabies and both strains of hepatitis can be avoided with updated immunizations. You will also need a vaccine to prevent meningitis, a deadly disease that is endemic in the sub-Saharan Africa.

Planning a trip for 2017 to visit one of this year’s popular destinations? Passport Health can help! Give us a call at or book an appointment online.

Any questions or details about 2016’s most popular travel destinations? Let us know via Facebook, Twitter or in the comments!

His reputation is well-earned, as he studied the disease and ways to prevent it for decades.

Jenner first used his vaccine by exposing an eight-year-old boy to a cowpox-infected needle. Although the boy suffered some symptoms from the cowpox, he was immune to smallpox.

But, a man tried this method years earlier despite spending his life trying to eradicate something far different: witches.

Cotton Mather was a popular minister and scholar in late 17th century Boston. The son of Increase Mather, another prominent minister, the duo were well-known advocates for the Salem witch trials.

The younger minister published his own history of dealing with those he deemed were possessed by the devil.

In his books and pamphlets, Cotton mentioned the use of “spectral evidence” to judge if a demon possessed the person.

The technique did not rely on actual evidence. A person simply denying they are a witch could be enough for conviction. A witness could even sway the evidence with claims that the “witch” appeared in one of their dreams.

After the trials began Cotton warned against putting too much weight into spectral evidence. Despite the warning, courts used the technique and executed 20 people for the crimes of being a witch.

For many years after, Cotton’s reputations went untarnished for his aid in the witch trials. At least until lives were again at stake depending on whether the public believed his claims.

New England saw more turmoil in 1721 during one of its many smallpox outbreaks.

Doctors and scientists scrambled to slow down the spread, but Cotton heard of a way to reduce the disease’s strength.

With the help of Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, the minister used a vaccine technique to save the lives of three people. They pierced the skin of the people with a needle that was dipped in pus from a smallpox boil.

Mather attempted to spread word of the vaccine, but was met with critics. Some feared the idea of purposefully exposing themselves to a deadly disease. Many used Cotton’s own criteria for witchcraft against him.

Opponents felt using a lesser disease to prevent a greater disease was against the work of God. Pamphlets claimed that inoculation “is a delusion of the Devil.” The detractors even referenced Salem’s history, saying that this was the greatest evidence of witchcraft since the end of the trials.

The pamphlets didn’t name Mather specifically. But, there were references to his work against witchcraft. Rather than continuing support, they wrote that he recanted against his actions that previously cost many lives.

The mudslinging in pamphlets led to a stalemate.

The entirety of New England couldn’t choose a side despite facing an epidemic.

Vaccines remained mired in witchcraft for the rest of the century until Edward Jenner’s smallpox breakthrough.

Leaving the country and looking to stay safe from other contagious diseases? Call Passport Health at or book an appointment online.

Any questions or comments about the history of vaccines? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter and Facebook.

Brazil is an exciting travel destination with much to offer to any type of traveler. The city is the heart of Brazilian culture and houses some of the most amazing sights and sounds in the country.

Rio’s immense terrain offers endless choices to make your own adventure. Visiting the rainforest allows for hiking, kayaking and rock climbing that can’t be surpassed by any other place in the world. Staying along Rio’s coastline gives access to endless surf spots and the bustling communities. But, you’ll need to start preparing early if you’d like to take advantage of the city’s sprawling opportunities.

Which Vaccines Do I Need For A Trip to Rio de Janeiro?

The various climates and regions of Brazil provide travel health challenges. Despite being the fifth largest country in the world and one of the largest economies, Brazil is still developing. Do not forget this fact. Many areas lack proper sanitation, and some diseases not seen in the United States are present.

Luckily, many of these infections are preventable through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization recommend travelers receive the following vaccines:

Routine Vaccinations– Before you leave, make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) as some of these diseases can be found in developing nations.

Yellow Fever– This mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in many parts of Brazil including Minas Gerais, just north of Rio de Janeiro. The CDC recommends travelers to affected regions receive a yellow fever vaccine. If you are planning to visit other countries in South America before traveling to Brazil, the vaccine may be required for entry into Brazil.

Typhoid– The vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Brazil. As a foodborne disease, typhoid is prevalent in many developing countries like Brazil. Take proper precautions to avoid contaminated food. ‘Adventurous eating’ could lead to typhoid infection, especially if you have not been vaccinated.

Hepatitis A– This is another foodborne disease. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Brazil.

Hepatitis B– Most travelers should consider this vaccine. It is recommended for those who may be exposed to bodily fluids while in Brazil. This includes sexual contact, getting tattoos or even getting a medical procedure.

Rabies– While not always necessary, this vaccine may be recommended based on your itinerary. Spread through animal bites, rabies can be a deadly disease, especially if it goes untreated.

Each individual’s itinerary may change what vaccines are recommended or required. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn more.

Which Mosquito-borne Diseases Are Present in Brazil?

The jungle and rural environments are hotbeds for mosquito-borne disease activity. But, these diseases have also begun to enter some urban environments such as Rio de Janeiro.

Malaria– A parasite spread through mosquito bites, malaria is common in some regions of Brazil. Speak with a travel health specialist about whether you will need antimalarial medication for your trip.

Dengue– There is an increased risk of infection in urban and residential areas. This mosquito-borne disease is rarely deadly, but it can ruin a trip. There is no vaccine against dengue, just preventative measures like mosquito repellents and netting.

Zika and Rio de Janeiro

The mosquito-borne virus Zika has been found in Brazil. The virus is known to cause mild to moderate symptoms in adults, like dengue does. But, it has been found to cause microcephaly (a birth defect causing shrinking of the head) in the fetus of infected mothers.

The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or may become pregnant consider not traveling to Rio de Janeiro.

Be sure to take proper precautions against mosquitoes while in Rio. This includes using mosquito netting and repellents as well as wearing proper clothing.

Is Traveler’s Diarrhea a Risk In Brazil?

Traveler’s diarrhea is a risk throughout South America, perhaps even more so in Brazil. A recent study commissioned by the Associated Press found water in Brazil is highly contaminated with various viral and bacterial diseases. One expert went even said, “If we saw these levels here in the United States on beaches, officials would likely close [them].”

It is not uncommon to fall ill while in Rio without proper medical preparation. We recommend that you preemptively take antibiotics or other medications to avoid illness.

It is extremely important to protect yourself while in Rio. Finding safe foods to eat and beverages to drink can become difficult while traveling, and this is especially when you are ‘on-the-go’. This could lead to you or a member of your group being exposed to the agents that cause traveler’s diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors. There is no ‘traveler’s diarrhea’-specific vaccine. But, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations can help avoid two types of infection.

Bring a traveler’s diarrhea kit, with products like DiaResQ, to help protect yourself from missing any of those adventure opportunities.

Other preventative advice includes:

Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled or otherwise treated.

Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice

Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish; this includes ceviche

Will I Be Safe During My Trip to Rio de Janeiro?

According to the U.S. State Department, crime remains high in many of Brazil’s urban areas. Street crime is a problem for visitors and locals, especially in Rio. The State Department also gives the following advice:

Be extra watchful on buses or in other public areas. Pickpocketing and other forms of theft are common in these places.

Do not wear jewelry or expensive watches in public. Anything that could attract attention may also attract crime.

DO NOT carry your passport with you as it could be stolen. Leave your passport in a hotel safe and carry a photocopy or a passport card with you at all times.

If you are are robbed, do not attempt to resist or fight. Hand over the belongings as this is the safer decision

The State Department also recommends avoiding ‘favelas’ as they are sites of increased crime and violence

Do I Need A Visa To Travel To Rio de Janeiro?

Brazil usually requires a visa for US citizens to enter the country. Although Brazil can sometimes offer travel without a visa, this is only during special events hosted within the country, such as the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics. Currently, you will need a visa for travel.

Should I Consider Travel Insurance For My Trip to Brazil?

It can be recommended that travelers to Brazil buy travel insurance to protect their investment and themselves. To find out more about these services, see our travel insurance page.

How Else Can I Prepare For a Trip to Brazil?

A trip to Rio can provide unbelievable opportunities and adventures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Visiting Brazil can also provide serious health and safety risks if you are not prepared. Be sure to protect yourself before you go by:

Visiting with a travel health specialist at a travel clinic, like Passport Health, to learn about pre-travel vaccinations and care.

Make sure your passport (and possibly visa) are in order before traveling. Passport Health offers a service to help you apply for both.

Register with the State Department before you leave, so that the nearest US Consulate has your information to contact you in case of an emergency. Passport Health offers this service as well.

If you have any further questions about travel to Rio de Janeiro or any other part of Brazil, see our various pages on related subjects. Or, schedule an appointment with a travel health specialist today by calling or booking online.

Have more tips, advice or questions for a trip to Rio de Janeiro? Leave a comment below, on our Facebook page or via Twitter.

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While most of us will be ringing in the New Year to start January, parts of the world celebrate a bit later.

Based off the cycles of the moon, the lunar calendar lists New Year’s sometime from late January to the middle of February. Celebrated by many Asian countries, the spectacle can last for over two weeks with events going on every night.

The Lunar New Year falls on January 28 this year and many countries are already preparing for the holiday.

With so many places to choose from, here’s four of the best options to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year:

Marina Bay, Singapore

The whole country enjoys festivities during the Lunar New Year, but two events in Singapore take priority over the rest.

The Chingay Parade is Asia’s largest street performance and float parade.

Since 1973, glowing dragons, dancing lions and acrobats have taken over the streets near Marina Bay to celebrate the holiday. The parade lasts for two days as locals dress in traditional garb, dancing and marching through the streets. The giant party even boasts multicultural appeal, hosting groups from Malaysia, India and China.

Although slightly newer, River Hongbao is no less a spectacle.

The New Year’s festivities start in River Hongbao with giant lanterns, amusement rides and fireworks. Resembling a giant festival, multiple stages are filled for the week with locals performing routines that stem from Singapore’s heritage.

Another country affected by Zika virus, prepare to repel mosquitoes when traveling to Singapore.

Seoul, South Korea

The best time to visit Seoul may be during the Korean New Year, otherwise known as Seollal.

Because the holiday focuses on more intimate family gatherings, large cities like Seoul are easier to navigate. Amusement parks like Everland and Seoul Land will have some of their shortest lines of the year.

There are still some places to enjoy holiday festivities in South Korea’s capital.

Multiple days of Seollal themed performances take over the National Gugak Center. Those dressed in traditional Hanboks get free entry to many of Seoul’s ancient palaces that showcase programs for the holiday.

The Namsangol Hanok Village is the ideal location for a mix of Seoul culture and Seollal activities. The collection of Korean houses sit near the base of Namsan Mountain. Make kites, masks or rice cakes and take in the ancient rites that are performed in the outside theater next to the village.

A routine set of vaccines should keep you healthy during and after a trip to Seoul.

The city is modernized, but we still recommend being careful with food and water. Vaccines for typhoid and hepatitis A will keep you healthy from the highly contagious diseases.

Malaysia

Depending on the area you choose, the Lunar New Year can offer differing experiences throughout Malaysia.

The island of Penang in western Malaysia comes to life during the celebration.

You can just look up to see the excitement, with lanterns lighting up Kek Lok Si temple or the hot air balloon fiesta filling the skies. Closer to the ground, the streets of George Town are filled with folk music, dancers and costumed performances.

The city of Kuala Lumpur still has some big city festivities, but is also busy with those offering respects. Locals fill the many temples to light incense and pray to ancestors throughout the two week event.

Mosquito borne diseases are common in Malaysia.

Mosquito nets and insect repellents are the best way to stay safe from the Zika virus, recently introduced to the country. Antimalarials and the Japanese encephalitis vaccine will also be necessary, depending on your length of stay.

China

For many places, fireworks define New Year’s celebrations, none more so than in China.

Hong Kong is world renowned for its annual fireworks show on the second day of Spring Festival. Whether on a cruise in the harbor, in a pontoon or standing at Bauhinia Square, the show at Victoria Harbour is easy to see and astounding. The show caps off the colorful nearby night parade along the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Shanghai is not to be outdone, with its own bright and loud spectacles.

Yu Yuan hosts an annual lantern show for a few days during the holiday. Buddhist monks are invited to climb Longhua Temple and ring a bell during an elaborate celebration in the city’s oldest temple.

Of course the city has its own fireworks show, coloring the night sky over the Bund.

A trip to China does warrant an updated set of vaccinations and boosters.

Polio is one of many diseases that are eradicated in North America but requires immunization before travel to some countries. Vaccines for both strains of hepatitis, rabies and typhoid are also needed to make this trip.

Are you planning a foreign trip for the upcoming Lunar New Year? Passport Health can help keep you healthy. Call us at 480-345-6800 or book an appointment online.

Any other extravagant must see locations for the Lunar New Year? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or in the comments!

Expectant mothers looking to stay free from the flu don’t have to worry.

Not only is the flu shot safe for pregnant women, but it can even help the baby.

When the mother received a flu vaccine during pregnancy, the baby was 70 percent less likely to catch the virus, according to a study published in May.

For years many feared the vaccine’s safety for pregnant women. But the ingredients are harmless for pregnant women just as they are for everyone else.

The small amount of ethylmercury in the shot didn’t show any adverse effects for the baby. Unless the woman has a severe egg allergy, the protein in a vaccine should also be safe. Plus, egg-free vaccines are available.

Immunizing pregnant women is becoming increasingly common. This may even be the best way to keep your newborn from contagious diseases.

The method of cocooning was the most popular way to keep disease from a newborn baby.

Cocooning encourages everyone around the baby to receive boosters and vaccines shortly before the birth. This would create a protective group around the newborn and keeping contagious diseases away.

Cocooning is most commonly employed using the Tdap vaccine to prevent whooping cough. Babies are at the greatest risk with this infection, sending half of those infected for a stay in the hospital.

Although cocooning is still recommended, the baby is still without crucial antibodies. Babies six months or younger do not have enough antibodies to protect from the illness in response to the vaccine.

A Tdap vaccine for expectant mothers solves this problem, bringing antibodies to the placenta.

The flu vaccine acts on this same principle.

Placenta houses the antibodies, but the study showed that the vaccine needs to be administered earlier to have a full effect.

The start of the third trimester is the ideal time for pregnant women to get the flu vaccine. This allows the needed time for the baby and mother to create antibodies that prevent the virus.

But as is the case with many immunizations, the vaccine’s effects will wear down over time.

The antibodies are most effective during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Chances of the baby catching the virus will increase over the next few months until they can receive their own vaccine.

Parents should still take normal flu season measures before and after birth for the best chance to avoid the virus.

Trying to get ahead of the flu season with a vaccine? Call Passport Health at 480-345-6800 or book an appointment online.

Do you have any questions about the flu vaccine and its effects? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter and Facebook.

In October of 2010 an outbreak of cholera began in Haiti. This disaster came soon after a devastating earthquake hit the country in January.

The earthquake caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and did irreparable damage to much of the country. The world responded with volunteers to help with the rebuild, including U.N. peacekeepers.

Six years after its start, we know the earthquake is likely where the epidemic began.

The U.N. admitted that some peacekeepers from Nepal carried the infection. Getting into the water supply, cholera then spread throughout Haiti.

There have been nearly 10,000 deaths from the disease over the last six years. Three-quarters of a million people have been infected.

The peacekeepers were most likely the cause, but what if cholera was in Haiti before the earthquake?

What if cholera was even in Haiti before Christopher Columbus arrived?

In the search for the source of the disease, scientists found a much older cholera strain in Haiti. This cholera has no toxic effect, different from the V. cholorae 01 strain that caused Haiti’s current outbreak. But, it does share some similarities with the disease’s origin, tracing back to the 1500s.

As a non-toxigenic form of the disease, this ancient cholera wouldn’t cause the epidemic. But, scientists believe the older strain may have interacted with the modern one. This lead to a disease that’s harder to eliminate.

Modern day cholera has been prevented with vaccines for decades. Although the disease is eradicated in the United States and other countries, immunization is necessary for much of the world.

But, with cases dwindling for years before 2010, many deemed the vaccine unnecessary. The combination of the two cholera strains and a less vaccinated public led to the epidemic.

The disease spread faster throughout the area with nothing to fight the slightly different cholera.

Further studies showed that the non-toxigenic cholera has been in the country for centuries. With the disease still circulating in Haiti, the bacteria could continue to interact with other strains. There could continue to be deadly versions of the disease that have never been seen before.

Although it may be easy to blame the epidemic on lack of forethought, there was little reason to prepare for such an outbreak.

Studying Haiti and the surrounding area for cholera seemed unnecessary before 2010. As is the case with many other deadly diseases, there was no point in looking for a solution without a problem.

If you are looking to stay up to date on epidemics like this, Passport Health can help out. We can keep you in the know for all diseases, outbreaks and vaccines.

Any questions or comments on the cholera epidemic? Let us know via Twitter, Facebook or in the comments!

Halloween is over, the temperature starts to plummet and everyone is making plans for the upcoming months.

What does this mean?

The holiday season is upon us and it’s traditionally time to spend with family and enjoy the festivities. But rather than the normal celebrations, maybe take advantage of some easier international travel.

Winter is the best time to visit some of the most popular destinations around the world. Landmarks are less crowded and ideal weather makes the holiday season a perfect time to explore some parts of the globe.

Here’s five locations you might want to consider for an international holiday vacation:

China

China is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, but winter is the Asian country’s off-season for tourism.

Although cold during this time, massive cities like Hong Kong and Beijing are the easiest to navigate. This also creates an ideal time to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City, attractions that are usually overcrowded.

If you’re looking for accommodating weather, China can also help.

Southern areas Yunnan, Sanya and Guangzhou have warm winters that still offer beautiful landscapes. Northern China’s winter weather is freezing, although snowfall shouldn’t be unbearable. A trip to the north offers fantastic skiing in the mountains and the International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin.

No matter where you travel in China, immunizations for typhoid and both hepatitis strains are necessary.

Winter is far from peak mosquito season, but consider a Japanese encephalitis vaccine and antimalarials. We also recommend bringing insect repellent and mosquito nets, especially if going to southern China.

Morocco

Israel is the most popular international destination to celebrate Hanukkah. So rather than deal with crowds and ridiculous ticket prices, take a trip to Morocco for the holiday.

Home to many ancient synagogues, Morocco is growing in popularity as a destination for the Jewish Festival of Lights.

With the country’s only Jewish museum, Casablanca embraces the incoming travelers. Restaurants offer more Jewish-Moroccan items while locals craft menorahs to sell at the bazaars.

The foods found in Morocco may be odd to those used to a traditional Hanukkah feast.

You won’t find a potato latke or sufganiyot. These are replaced with mofleta’s, a baked flatbread, and sfenj, a fritter-like doughnut.

Typhoid is still an issue in most African countries, and the vaccine is highly recommended for a trip to Morocco.

Budapest, Hungary

The idea of spending the holidays away from home may be out of your comfort zone. But, if you’re up for the change take a trip to Budapest.

No, you won’t get a reprieve from the cold. The Hungarian capital its coldest during December. You will get a whole city that embraces the idea of a winter wonderland.

Vörösmarty Square in downtown Budapest lights up with a market that lasts from November through the first week of January. Folk music plays throughout and stands sell homemade gifts and delicious foods.

Streetcars are decorated with lights and there are nightly dinner cruises on river Danube. And you can even beat the cold weather in the Szechenyi Baths, laden with saunas and water from hot springs.

At the heart of a well-developed country, visiting Budapest doesn’t need many vaccinations.

A set of routine immunizations, along with vaccines for hepatitis and rabies should leave you healthy. Bring enough clothes to stay warm, there is no vaccine against freezing temperatures.

Phuket, Thailand

With nearly perfect weather, New Year’s is the best time to visit Phuket.

The country is normally wet with monsoons, but rainfall is lowest throughout January. The temperature hovers around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the seas are calm, allowing for ideal trips to the beach.

But for those traveling to find a New Year’s party, Phuket is rich with options.

The holiday is a nightlong event on every beach and in every town throughout the small island.

Patong Beach and Surin Beach resemble parties that stretch for miles. Concerts, shows and fireworks highlight the countdown that lasts for days at Sanam Chai. Just be prepared to book a hotel early, with Phuket growing as a New Year’s Eve hotspot.

The country is becoming more modernized, but a trip to Thailand’s islands does require some immunizations.

Even during the less humid month of January, mosquitoes cause some risk for Japanese encephalitis. Other key immunizations include typhoid and both forms of hepatitis vaccine.

Oman

Another escape from frigid winter temperatures is Oman.

Avoid the country’s sweltering heat during the summer with a trip in January or February. These months provide the small Middle Eastern country with an ideal Mediterranean-esque climate.

The perfect weather leaves no better time to trek through the mountains or sand dunes throughout Oman.

And if you’re looking for beach relaxation, the Ras Al Jinz beach can also provide a show. The beach is a reserve where sea turtles safely nest year round.

Muscat, Oman’s capital, is at its liveliest during this time with a festival lasting through the middle of February. Art exhibitions, dances and fireworks fill the city every night for a month as Muscat celebrates its culture.

With mosquitoes and some wild animals, it is best to have immunizations and antimalarials. Vaccines are also necessary for foodborne disease. Hepatitis and typhoid are recommended to prevent this, along with other up-to-date routine vaccines.

Looking to stay healthy during your next winter getaway? Passport Health can help! Call us at 480-345-6800 or book an appointment online!

Did we forgot any of the best vacation spots during the winter? Let us know via Twitter, Facebook or in the comments!

Take a look at our Canadian blog for some tropical havens to visit in the winter!

Whether it’s a pop-up guaranteeing dangerously fast weight loss or an email with a scheme to make millions quick, the signs are obvious.

But, what about a fake cure?

Most fake cures seem obvious. There’s no way violin music or charcoal powder can remedy a disease.

But, when diseases like Zika and Ebola spread, it’s harder to ignore a possible lifesaver.

Just because the ailment is different does not mean the authenticity is any better. Here are five dangerous fake cures to stay away from while planning your trip:

Colloidal Silver

There have been arguments over silver as an antibacterial for centuries. While the metal can keep water purified or treat burns, many in the medical community argue against any benefits.

Some claim that silver can prevent Ebola and some worried travelers listen. It’s not just Ebola either. The same people brag that silver particles can effectively fight Zika, tuberculosis and HIV.

It sounds too good to be true for a reason.

There are currently no legitimate studies to back up the claims of this miracle cure. In fact, the silver is often administered in a way that can cause irreversible damage.

The silver particles, or colloidal silver, are often sold suspended in liquid and used as a spray or drank. Ingesting great amounts of the silver causes a buildup in the body’s tissues over time. This leads to Argyria, where parts of the skin will permanently turn blue or gray.

Unsurprisingly, the FDA ruled multiple times that colloidal silver is a health hazard that cannot be sold over the counter.

Drinking silver particles won’t keep you from getting Zika, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of catching the virus.

Vitamin C Injections

This vitamin dose is not from an orange or a pill, but through an injection.

The theory is that because vitamin C is an antioxidant. So, injecting incredible amounts into your body can take down any disease.

Like many of these miracle cures, there is little scientific proof. The vitamin C theory grew after the story of a doctor using injections of the vitamin on patients with polio. None of the patients developed paralysis, so vitamin C is was the cure, right?

Not necessarily, since various attempts to replicate these results have failed.

Massive doses of vitamin C weren’t able to cure diseases. But, they did give patients nausea, headaches, kidney stones and many other issues.

Thanks to Dr. Jonas Salk we now do have a polio vaccine, along with many other vaccines that will work much better than Vitamin C injections.

Essiac Tea

Want a good start to avoid a bogus cure? Don’t trust something that gets its title from the creator’s last name spelled backwards.

Such is the case with Essiac Tea, a drink that boasts it can cure cancer for roughly $30.

Created by Rene Caisse, story goes that the Canadian nurse used sheep sorrel root to create a tea, giving it to her cancer-ridden aunt. The aunt survived for decades, encouraging Caisse to continue giving the tea to other relatives with cancer.

With continued success, the nurse spread the word of her cure, even setting up a clinic for patients with no hope of surviving their diagnoses.

In the decades since, the tea has been tested on cancer patients in hospitals around the world. The unanimous consensus is that the tea has no anti-cancer properties.

Essiac Tea was unable to cure any cancer, but some patients did report flu-like symptoms and other adverse effects. A few studies even added the product to cancer cells in tubes, only to see the cells grow.

You might not be able to cure cancer with Essiac Tea, but the HPV Vaccine can help prevent contracting cervical cancer.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can be helpful for aromatherapy purposes. In treating stress and its symptoms, the oils can help relieve many issues.

But, just because lavender oil can ease a headache, doesn’t mean it can treat a viral infection.

That’s just what some companies making these oils claim. They say anything from hepatitis to Zika and even multiple sclerosis can be solved with a mix of essential oils.

This prompted the FDA to act fast and issue warnings to the companies making such overconfident claims. There is no science to back up these remedies and they aren’t approved by the FDA.

It might be wise to just continue using clove or lemongrass oil for stress relief. Maybe try standard vaccinations for a much more reliable way to stay healthy.

Bracelets

This one feels odd and a bit outdated to point out but no bracelets prevent Zika or relieve motion sickness.

For decades metal bracelets have been pushed as keys to pain relief and wellness. The idea stems from millennia-old beliefs that magnets could prevent disease and affliction.

Since the resurgence of these bracelets in the 1970s, they’ve been repeatedly been proven false.

The spread of mosquito-borne viruses caused these bracelets to regain popularity. This time they aren’t working as magnets, but as a bug repellent.

The purpose for the accessory might be different, but the result is the same. Insect repellents wristbands don’t work and you shouldn’t waste your money on them.

Instead of wearing a fake repellent on your wrist, try an insect repellent spray or a mosquito net for overnight stays.

Are you traveling to another country and want to know what vaccines will keep you healthy? Passport Health can help! Call us at 480-345-6800 or book an appointment online!

Do you have any questions about bogus cures? Did we miss any fake remedies? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter or in the comments.